Presidents Day Weekend

Florissant, CO: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument along with America's 400 other national park units will waive entrance fees fromFebruary 15 – February 17, 2014in honor of President's Day Weekend.

Come and enjoy your park! Consider starting your visit in the Monument's new, state-of-the-art visitor center where you can view the park film "Shadows of the Past", explore hand's on exhibits, and visit the recently remodeled bookstore. Children can earn their Junior Ranger Badge or Patch through the free, Junior Ranger program. If hiking is more your style, enjoy one of the many secluded trails at the park. If there is enough snow bring your snowshoes or cross country skis. There are 14 miles of trails that wind through the peaceful, montane forests of the Florissant valley. The Monument also has two picnic areas where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is open daily9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Florissant Fossil Beds will also be provided a variety of ranger-guided activities during the weekend:

Join the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds in helping count birds in the park as part of the nation-wide 17thannual Great Backyard Birdcount. For more information contact Sally McCracken at (719) 687-9204

Join a ranger for a 4 mile hike for health. Depending on hiking conditions (snow levels) this hike can be moderate to strenuous. Be prepared for weather, dress in layers. Must be 10 years or older and prepared for the hike to participate.

Bring your digital camera, grab a Scavenger Hunt game sheet, and head off on your own into the park to take some great pictures. If you find all the items on the list, you will get a prize courtesy of our Friends group. Be prepared for weather, dress in layers. The scavenger hunt will involve walking up to 1.5 miles.